All Things Finseth

Followership - Original Article Now Posted on Wikipedia February 24, 2004

Followership is a real concept, not one of President Bush’s made up words!

Followership at first glance seems to be the antithesis of leadership. Subjection, meekness, and subtlety are words that come to mind first when conceptualizing Followership. The role of a follower, however, is in many ways similar to that of the leader. The key ingredient of being a good follower is a willingness to tell the truth. Leaders must depend on their subordinates for good information. At times this information will not be welcome. The follower must have the confidence to speak out. They understand that the discomfort they may feel while communicating concisely with the leader is necessary, and that they are helping the leader make better decisions. Having the fortitude to speak candidly with the leader is also a leadership trait. Followers must realize that silence is an unacceptable answer…

Followership is guided by a set of principals, many of which are similar to leadership. They include: demonstrating respect, thinking win/win, working within the system, and being proactive and appreciating differences. An effective follower strives toward a common goal with the leader. They recognize the authority of the leader and tailor their actions to be in line with the leaders ideals. The follower makes their own decisions based on a set of values, and enthusiastically works towards organizational goals while holding themselves accountable for results. A good follower gains the trust of the leader and creates enough independence that allows them to achieve the goal without complete reliance on the leader. They require only high-level guidance, and are effective when working in a group independently. Followership includes recognizing the hierarchy of leadership while becoming a self-motivated mini leader, proactively working to fulfill or exceed expectations.

Effective followers ask questions like: How good are your following skills? Do you willingly step forward? Is your leader really glad you are on-board? Are you on-board? Do you participate with the leader and the rest of the team in a follower frame of mind or do you spend time criticizing your leader’s shortcomings? Are you willing to follow, to move from where you are?

Followership should be an important part of the Christian World View. Effective Christians should be effective followers because they espouse act as disciples of God. Followership has become subtler in the Christian culture even though the Bible emphasizes following much more than leading. Man’s sinful nature and interest in self-preservation, and self-promotion has skewed the average Christian perspective to value leadership more strongly. Christians are directed to follow the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Espousing to followership should be second nature, however, many do not see that this is an important aspect of Christian behavior. It is our duty to follow/lead by example.

Becoming an effective follower takes just as much work as becoming a leader. Leaders must recognize the difference between pessimists, individuals just along for the ride, individuals working just for the paycheck, and participants (followers). Followership must be rewarded. Organizations that clearly communicate guidelines for subordinates will be more successful. Effective followership expectations must be taught. Anyone can use followership to become more effective.

Note: From time to time we will post some of our personal writing if it is deemed adeqate!
This short essay was written for Communications class MBA608 at Belhaven.

Reed’s Rotavirus February 9, 2004

Reed is at home and feeling much better! For those of you who don’t know, we had to take him in to the hospital because he was getting dehydrated. The Doctor thinks he had ROTO Virus.

We went in on Friday afternoon, and they hooked him up to an I.V. He was pale and his skin had a yellowish tint. He lost about 1.5lbs during the week. We thought he was on the mend on Thursday, but that night he woke up with really bad stomach cramps. Jaime took him to see the Doc on Friday afternoon, and they decided to admit him.

He did really well at the Hospital. It was really sad to see him comeback after getting his I.V. He looked at us and started crying ;(

Read more about the Roto Virus below, Click here to see Reed at the hospital >>

WHAT IS ROTAVIRAL GASTROENTERITIS?

Rotaviral Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestinal tract caused by Rotavirus. This disease is the one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children, and is an important cause of acute intestinal infection in children attending child care.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Within 1 to 3 days of exposure to Rotavirus, vomiting occurs followed by an episode of watery diarrhea. The period of vomiting usually lasts for about 3 days, and the diarrheal phase can last anywhere from 3 to 8 days. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. Without adequate fluid replacement, severe body fluid loss will occur, which may result in death.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM AND HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

Most human infections involving Rotavirus result from contact with other infected humans. Rotavirus in animals occur in many species, but transmission from animals to humans has not been documented.

Rotavirus may also be found in sewage contaminated waters. Foods harvested from these waters, or irrigated with these waters, and eaten raw may result in Rotaviral Gastroenteritis in both adults and children. The number of virus particles necessary to cause infection is low, and the disease is easily spread by person-to-person contact through hand-to-mouth transfer of the Rotavirus from the feces of an infected individual. Objects such as toys or food may easily become contaminated by an infected person if hands are not washed after using the toilet.

CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED?

Rotaviral Gastroenteritis cannot be treated. Cases involving severe diarrhea require that body fluids and electrolytes be replaced to prevent dehydration. Infection generally gives a person long term immunity to the disease.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT ROTAVIRAL GASTROENTERITIS?

Hands should be thoroughly washed with plenty of soap and hot water after using the toilet, or changing children’s diapers, and always before handling or eating food. Children especially must be encouraged to wash their hands and clean under their fingernails. Ensure that all foods consumed raw are thoroughly washed first. Meats and poultry should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 75º Celsius (165ºF). Travellers to areas with inadequate sanitary facilities should only eat cooked foods, served hot. Avoid the consumption of ice, salads, and raw vegetables when traveling in these areas. Eat only raw fruits that have been thoroughly washed and can be peeled.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER CONCERNS?

Since the Rotavirus is passed in the feces, only people with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (for example: infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals, etc.) should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, children in day care centres, and health care workers must obtain the approval of the local Health Authority before returning to their routine activities.